Childhood Trauma & Adult Disease + Traumatic Brain Injury

Some weeks I have a show that just really, deeply reminds me why I do what I do. It happens when my guests are so genuine, so real and so connected – both to themselves, their topics and me all at the same time. It reminds me how deeply we are all connected as humans and as survivors and professionals coming together to create a healing space. Last night was one of those shows that made me so especially happy to be the host of YOUR LIFE AFTER TRAUMA.

First, Robin Karr-Morse shed light on how childhood trauma sets us up for adult disease, and which ones. In a conversation that focused on terrific scientific support and details she explained, for example, the impact of the dysregulation of adrenaline and cortisol and what kind of problems that causes. And then Robin did something very special: she spoke of hope and belief and why they are so important in the recovery process. Wrapping up, we briefly covered the type of therapy and therapeutic relationship that Robin believes can be instrumental in helping survivors heal.

Second, Terry Smith survived a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 18 — and then went on to become an award-winning writer. He joined me with deep insights into how we proceed in and approach recovery, acceptance and how to move on (he’s got 3 great steps), letting go and how to transition, plus embracing who you are today. There were so many points we covered that apply to the universal trauma recovery experience!

So wonderful and so inspirational and hopeful. My thanks, again, to both guests for helping me create such a meaningful show.

Meet my guests:

Robin Karr-Morse is a family therapist in private practice. She is the former Director of Parents Training for the Oregon Child Welfare System andserved as the first Executive Director of the Oregon Children’s Trust Fund, the state’s major effort to prevent child abuse statewide. She has served as a consultant to Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s Touchpoints Program and as a lecturer on the Brazelton Seminar Faculty. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Terry Smith became a writer as a result of Traumatic Brain Injury sustained inmilitary training after his freshman year of college. In plan, he was to build a military career, be elected to senate, and then become President of the United States of America. In reality, he flat-lined twice during brain surgery and woke up from a coma with amnesia. His plan died that day. To develop memory, he was to record daily life. Three years later, he returned to college and graduated. He was awarded a writing fellowship with Paramount Pictures and Eddie Murphy Productions in Hollywood. Over the following years, he worked in film and television for 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, and Orion Pictures. He has written three books – Jason’s Final Coming, Helvena, andSurviving Head Trauma. He is also an award winning playwright – Cherry Street Park, The Funny Thing About Death, and The Waiting Room. For more info visit http://www.terrysmithbooks.com.